Ukraine put one foot in Finland

Ukraine took a huge step to qualifying for UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009™ after defeating Slovenia 3-0 in Dravograd in the first leg of their play-off for the final tournament.

Comprehensive winAnatoliy Kutsev's side – who started the game as favourites to progress to their first finals – dominated the match and gained a deserved win, giving their hosts no opportunities to cause an upset. Darina Apanaschenko opened the scoring for the visitors, who came second in Group 5 behind Denmark, in the 27th minute and doubled the lead just before half-time. Slovenia made the play-offs as one of the best third-placed finishers in the qualifying round, but were no match for Ukraine. Alla Lishafai added a third nine minutes after the break to seal a comprehensive victory which gives Ukraine an overwhelming advantage ahead of the second leg in Chernigov on Thursday.